Motorcycle wash & care: Insider tips for maximum value retention!
Washing your motorcycle is more than just cosmetic; it protects its mechanics and paintwork. Properly washing and maintaining your motorcycle prevents rust, deposits, and malfunctions.
In this compact guide, you’ll learn how to properly clean your motorcycle, including tips for engine washing, brake dust removal, and proper maintenance.
The MYCOVER® team clarifies!
Table of Contents
- Why is motorcycle care so important?
- Washing your motorcycle: What is allowed and what do you need to watch out for?
- What do you need to wash your motorcycle?
- How do you clean the various components of your motorcycle properly?
- Cleaning and maintaining materials
- How often should you wash your bike?
- Conclusion – motorcycle washing pays off
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about motorcycle washing and care
Why is motorcycle care so important?
Dirt, salt and moisture take a noticeable toll on your motorcycle. Without regular motorcycle washing and care, not only does the bike’s appearance suffer, but the chain, engine and brakes also suffer long-term damage. Resinated chains, rust or dull paintwork are typical consequences of a lack of motorcycle care. With the right cleaning, you can ensure that your motorcycle functions reliably and retains its value.
If you want to know more about rust formation, take a look at our page on this topic.
Washing your motorcycle: What is allowed and what do you need to watch out for?
You’re not allowed to clean your motorcycle everywhere. Washing your motorcycle at home, especially on private property or in the driveway, is not permitted in many regions, as oil and dirty water can seep into the groundwater. Can you wash your motorcycle at home?
The answer is: only if no cleaning agents are used and the wastewater does not flow into the sewage system. This means: Is washing your motorcycle at home allowed? Only under strict conditions!
If you want to play it safe, use a motorcycle wash facility or a self-service wash bay. Modern motorcycle wash facilities and car washes offer specific programs for sensitive vehicle parts. You can also clean your motorcycle safely and environmentally friendly in a wash bay.
Many operators allow the use for two-wheelers. You can usually find a motorcycle wash facility nearby or suitable locations directly online.
Whether you wash your motorcycle at a car wash, on private property, in a wash box or by dry cleaning, make sure you use suitable products and that no residues are released into the environment.
What do you need to wash your motorcycle?
You don’t need much to wash your motorcycle, but you do need the right things. Ideally, you should use lukewarm water, motorcycle shampoo, a sponge or wash mitt and a soft brush. You should also use chain cleaner and chain oil. It is best to use a high-pressure cleaner with caution, as too much pressure can damage bearings or electronics.
Washing tip: Avoid washing your motorcycle on the lawn or in the driveway. This is prohibited in many cities because cleaning agents, oil and dirt can get into the groundwater. It is better to use a motorcycle wash or wash box with an oil separator and waste water filter.
How do you clean the various components of your motorcycle properly?
Here you will find a brief overview of cleaning the most important motorcycle components, for detailed instructions, helpful information on cleaning agents, tips on care and answers to frequently asked questions, click on the links and get your motorcycle in top shape!
- Washing the engine
- Clean the chain
- Clean tank
- Tires and rims
- Cleaning the exhaust
- Clean the brake
- Clean manifold
- Maintain cooler
- Headlight and windshield
- Handles and seat
- Clean carburetor
Cleaning and maintaining materials
To keep your bike in top condition, every material needs the right care:
- Aluminum: Clean with gentle cleaners and soft cloths to reliably prevent scratches. A high-quality special polish provides long-term protection against oxidation and permanently restores the original shine.
- Carbon: Clean with lukewarm water, a mild motorcycle shampoo and a soft cloth. A UV sealant protects the sensitive surface from fading and preserves its appearance.
- Chrome: Treat with a microfiber cloth and chrome cleaner without rubbing or scratching. Regular polishing protects the material from flash rust and corrosion and ensures a radiant and mirror-like shine.
- Stainless steel: Clean carefully with mild soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and deposits. Then polish with a stainless steel paste so that the surface remains permanently smooth.
- Plastic & plastic: Clean with a cloth and then treat with UV-blocking plastic care. This preserves the color, protects the structure and prevents premature fading due to direct sunlight.
- Leather (seat & handles): Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth or use a special leather cleaner. Then treat with balm to keep the material supple and protect it from drying out.
Each material brings its own challenges that you can only overcome with the right knowledge. Read our article and find out how to clean and care for different materials properly to avoid making mistakes!
How often should you wash your bike?
How often you should wash your motorcycle depends on how intensively you use it. If you ride regularly, especially in the rain, in winter or on long tours, then it is worth cleaning your motorcycle more often. Heavy dirt, brake dust or salt residue are also a signal for a thorough motorcycle wash. If, on the other hand, you only ride in good weather, you can get by with occasional motorcycle cleaning.
Conclusion – motorcycle washing pays off
Motorcycle washing is more than just aesthetics; it protects mechanics, materials, and your wallet. Anyone who regularly cleans, maintains, and properly stores their motorcycle prevents rust, damage, and premature wear. To ensure you do everything correctly, you’ll find many practical tips here, from suitable cleaning agents to targeted care for chains, engines, leather, and paint.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about motorcycle washing and care
How often should I wash my motorcycle?
The frequency depends on your riding habits and the season. If you often ride on dusty, muddy, or salty roads, you should clean it after every long ride or even weekly.
For infrequent use and good weather, washing it every few weeks is sufficient. Regular maintenance protects against corrosion and preserves the functionality of important components.
With a high-quality Cover, your motorcycle remains better protected, so you’ll have to wash and thoroughly clean it less often.
How do I clean my motorcycle properly?
Use eco-friendly cleaners like Easypaste cleaning paste and avoid aggressive chemicals to protect sensitive parts.
Rinse off coarse dirt beforehand, use soft brushes or cloths, and thoroughly clean the chain, brakes, and engine. Afterward, dry the motorcycle thoroughly to prevent corrosion, and protect the paintwork by waxing.
Does it really help to clean my bike regularly?
Motorcycle care is the key to a long-lasting motorcycle. Without regular cleaning of your motorcycle, damage or even a total loss can quickly occur.
What products should I use when cleaning my motorcycle?
Motorcycle cleaning & washing should always be done with high-quality products. For example, with the cleaning paste from Easypste.
How often should I wash my motorcycle?
Depending on use and weather conditions, it is recommended that you clean your bike every two to four weeks. If you use your bike frequently or ride in bad weather, you should clean it more often.
Can I wash my motorcycle at home?
Can I clean my motorcycle with a high-pressure cleaner?
Which cleaning agents are suitable for motorcycle care?
Use special motorcycle cleaners that are tailored to the materials of your motorcycle. For example, with the cleaning paste from Easypste. These effectively remove dirt without attacking paint, plastic or metal.
How do I remove insect residue from the motorcycle?
How do I dry my bike properly after washing?
How can I protect my motorcycle from corrosion?
What care do painted and chrome-plated parts need?
What home remedies are suitable for cleaning my motorcycle?
If you want to wash your motorcycle and don’t want to use expensive special cleaning agents, you can fall back on tried and tested home remedies. A mixture of warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a dash of vinegar is suitable for washing your motorcycle with home remedies, allowing you to clean paintwork and plastic surfaces without damaging them. Baking soda or baking powder also helps with stubborn dirt, e.g. on wheel rims or the engine block. A mixture of lemon juice and water can also be used for cleaning motorcycles with home remedies for chrome parts; this ensures a shine and removes light rust deposits. Important: Do not use aggressive agents such as vinegar essence or citric acid on sensitive materials and always rinse with clear water.
Can I clean my motorcycle with a high-pressure cleaner?
Yes, but only with great care. If you want to clean your motorcycle with a high-pressure cleaner, observe the following rules:
- Keep a safe distance: At least 50-70 cm between nozzle and motorcycle.
- Reduce pressure: Low pressure or special motorcycle/vehicle mode.
- Proceed sensitively: Never aim directly at the chain, bearings, electrics or radiator.
- Do not use hot water appliances, as this can deform plastic parts.
- Pre-spray with motorcycle cleaner, then rinse gently.
- After cleaning, dry everything thoroughly and relubricate the chain.
In short: High pressure is only useful for rough pre-washing in insensitive areas. For thorough, gentle cleaning, it is better to work manually.
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